Self-care is an activity where you to take a moment for yourself and your betterment. Whether it is going for a jog, taking prescriptions as prescribed, or getting a haircut.

Self-care is easy to preach from a counseling office but hard to practice after a long day. Yet self-care is not something that just clinicians or people struggling with their mental health, it is for everyone.

Why Does Self-Care Matter?

Practicing self-care is the equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on first before putting another's for them. You cannot help someone else when you are depleted. Self-care is the way a person replenishes all the empathy, effort, and everything else they give to others.

The Greek word for self-care is "philautia" which also means self-love. The Greeks believe that the more you love yourself, the better you can love and care for the people around you. Self-care is not being selfish but being kind to yourself. Studies have shown that people who practice self-care think more positively and have higher self-esteem. Taking time for yourself allows you to remember that your needs are important. When you feel more relaxed and calm, it translates the rest of your life.

How Do I Practice Self-Care?

We should set aside time to self-check our feelings. At first, it is difficult to think of self-care as important. Once you grasp the idea that your mental needs are just as important to care for as your physical needs, self-care will become an integral part of your life.

Below are some of the ways our staff practice self-care.

Baths with Epson salt, spending time exercising and organizing, being active with her family!

My daily self-care plan includes running on the beach with my daughter in the mornings, meditation, phone connection with a friend or family member, paleo, organic diet, 8 hours of sleep, and 1 hour of time to myself, either reading, painting, or crafting.

Running on the beach or Egan's Creek Greenway. Getting outside helps me get out of my head.

Rising early to drink coffee and read the paper with her husband. Also, I feel my best when I look good. Wearing clothes that I love and getting my nails done on weekly basis.

Spending time in the garden, exploring different kinds of art (this month it is sowing), playing with my new kitten.

I spend about an hour every other day in the evening in my garden growing vegetables and flowers. This gives me time to reflect on the day’s events and think about what I want to get accomplished in the future.

To decompress from the day, I like to drive with my music up and windows down on my way home. Curling up with a good book and cup of coffee on Saturday morning is my favorite way to relax and recharge for the week. ​